zu|greifen
Translation
to help oneself, to grab, to access, to take action
Examples
Bitte greifen Sie zu!
Please help yourself!
Die Polizei musste schnell zugreifen.
The police had to act quickly.
Ich kann auf die Datei nicht zugreifen.
I can't access the file.
Grammar Patterns
((bei sth.dat)) to help oneself to sth. Please help yourself to the cake.
((auf sth.acc)) to access sth. He can access the database.
Similar Words
Synonyms: to take, to seize; Antonym: to let go (loslassen)
Etymology
From 'zu-' (towards) + 'greifen' (to grip, grab). Literally 'to grab towards' something.
Memory Tips
Picture reaching 'towards' (zu-) to 'grab' (greifen) a piece of cake at a buffet.